Genetic diversity analysis in rice genotypes suitable for aerobic cultivation

A total of 48 rice genotypes were evaluated for 23 morpho-physiological and quality traits at Rice Research Station, Kaul, CCSHAU, Hisar, to assess genetic diversity using Mahalanobis D² statistics and principal component analysis (PCA). Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into six clusters, with Cluster II being the largest (17 genotypes) and Cluster III the smallest with one genotype. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters I and VI, while the lowest was between Clusters I and V. Desirable mean values for traits like grain yield, 1000-grain weight, harvest index, panicle length and number of grains per panicle and root characteristics were observed in Clusters I and VI, suggesting their potential for genetic improvement under aerobic conditions. PCA revealed that the first seven principal components explained 78.20 % of the total variability, with PC1 contributing the most (23.10 %). Genotypes HKR16-1-IR14L521, CRR 4118-1-1-2-2-1, RCPR 79-IR 84899-B-185-8-1-1-1, CSR-88, CSR YET-78, CSR-87 and BRR 0180-IR 14L 157 exhibited significant diversity and could be utilized in crossing programs for generating genetic variability.